📽️ Is Screenwriting Fundamentals the Best Course for New Writers?
If you’ve ever dreamed of writing your own movie script, you’ve probably realized that screenwriting is harder than it looks. Finding the right online course can make or break your learning experience.
In this in-depth Screenwriting Fundamentals course review, we’ll explore whether Hal Ackerman’s course is the best option for beginners. You’ll learn what’s inside, its pros and cons, and how it compares to other screenwriting courses.
By the end, you’ll know whether this online course is right for you.
🎬 What Is the Screenwriting Fundamentals Course?
Screenwriting Fundamentals is an online course that teaches the art of screenwriting from start to finish. Available on Coursera and CreativeLive, this course is led by Hal Ackerman, a veteran screenwriter and former co-chair of the UCLA Screenwriting Program.
📌 Key Features & Course Topics
This course is designed specifically for beginner screenwriters. Here’s what you’ll learn:
- ✅ The 3-Act Structure used by Hollywood
- ✅ How to create memorable, three-dimensional characters
- ✅ Techniques for writing compelling dialogue
- ✅ Overcoming writer’s block and building confidence
- ✅ Structuring scenes and generating conflict
- ✅ How to get constructive feedback and improve your draft
⏳ Course Length & Format
- Video Lessons: ~6 hours of pre-recorded content
- Self-Paced Learning: Study at your own speed
- Platforms Available: Coursera or CreativeLive
Now, let’s break down the advantages and disadvantages of Hal Ackerman’s course.
⭐ Pros & Cons of Screenwriting Fundamentals
✅ What Makes This Course Great?
- ✔️ Taught by an Industry Expert – Hal Ackerman is a respected screenwriting instructor with years of experience.
- ✔️ Beginner-Friendly – A great place to start if you’re new to screenwriting.
- ✔️ Practical Writing Exercises – You’ll apply the lessons immediately.
- ✔️ Focus on Finishing a Script – Emphasizes completing your story’s first draft.
- ✔️ Affordable Options – Available through Coursera’s $49/month subscription or CreativeLive’s one-time purchase ($99).
❌ Potential Downsides
- ⛔ Too Basic for Experienced Writers – If you’re already familiar with screenwriting, this course may be too introductory.
- ⛔ No Personalized Feedback – Like most online courses, you won’t get 1-on-1 feedback directly from the instructor.
- ⛔ Lacks Advanced Topics – It doesn’t cover rewriting or industry networking.
🔥 Real User Reviews – What Are Students Saying?
🗣️ From CreativeLive Users
“After taking a number of other screenwriting courses, I can tell you that Hal Ackerman’s course, The Art of the First Draft, is the BEST EVER!!” – User-526c85
“Hal Ackerman is the Man!!! Loved this course and will be watching it again.” – fbuser 991773eb
📝 From Reddit Users
“I took Hal Ackerman’s screenwriting class at UCLA Extension. He’s a good teacher and his book is worth reading.” – u/239not235
Most students appreciate Hal Ackerman’s teaching style and say the course is extremely helpful for beginners. However, if you already have experience, you might prefer a more advanced course.
🎭 How Does Screenwriting Fundamentals Compare to Other Courses?
| Course | Best For | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screenwriting Fundamentals | Beginners learning the basics | $49/month (Coursera) or $99 (CreativeLive) | Structured, easy-to-follow lessons, focuses on finishing a script |
| Aaron Sorkin MasterClass | Writers looking to improve dialogue | $180/year (subscription) | Celebrity instructor, emphasizes dialogue writing |
| Shonda Rhimes MasterClass | Aspiring TV screenwriters | $180/year (subscription) | Strong focus on TV storytelling & character arcs |
| ScreenCraft Academy | Writers looking for an industry deep dive | $$$ (Price varies) | Covers all aspects of screenwriting, networking, contests |
| Save the Cat! Online Course | Writers focused on structure | $199 (one-time purchase) | Breakdown of beat sheets & Hollywood-approved story structure |
If you’re just starting out, Screenwriting Fundamentals is a great entry point. But if you’re interested in specialized storytelling techniques or networking with industry pros, you might want a more advanced course.
💰 Pricing: Is It Worth the Money?
How Much Does Screenwriting Fundamentals Cost?
- Coursera: Available with a $49/month subscription (also includes other courses)
- CreativeLive: One-time purchase of $99 for lifetime access
Compared to higher-priced alternatives like MasterClass ($180/year) or ScreenCraft Academy, the value is solid, especially for beginners.
🎥 Who Should Take This Course?
You should consider taking this course if:
- ✅ You’re new to screenwriting and need guidance.
- ✅ You struggle with finishing scripts and need a structured process.
- ✅ You want a budget-friendly introduction to screenwriting.
However, you might want to skip it if:
- ⛔ You’re already proficient in screenwriting fundamentals.
- ⛔ You want personalized feedback on your scripts.
- ⛔ You’re looking for advanced industry strategies like marketing or networking.
👇 Ready to Start Screenwriting? Enroll Now!
If you’re serious about learning screenwriting, this course is a great way to build your foundation. Hal Ackerman is a respected instructor with real experience, and this affordable online course makes screenwriting accessible to everyone.
📜 Final Verdict: Is Screenwriting Fundamentals Right for You?
If you’re an absolute beginner wanting to learn how to write a screenplay, this is one of the best online courses for screenwriting.
📍 Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Best for beginners,